Taco 218 universal flochek

rob51

Hello,

I have a taco 218 universal Flo check valve that I believe is not working. I tried to open the valve manually with the knob on the top. No luck. I tried tapping on it with a mallet, nothing. I tried to bleed the line, no water comes through the hose- even when I increase street prssure, the boiler overflow actuates. All the valves are open as far as I can tell, but no hot water is running through the loop. I can feel hot water on the side prior to the check valve, but not after, which is why I suspect the valve. Do you think I need to replace the flochek? Can I just replace the internal parts? Thank you. Many Thanks. (Problem valve is the one labeled “attic”)

109A_5

Hello rob51,

Do you need heat in the attic ? If not this may be a better Summer time project. You may be able to drain the system down and remove the bottom plug and more aggressively try to stimulate it into working, the guts may come out the top if you have the correct tools.

If you mess with it more than removing the bottom pipe plug you probably should be prepared to replace it.

Parts may be available, but this document is a bit old.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.supplyhouse.com/manuals/1351084254823/85085_PROD_FILE.pdf

EBEBRATT-Ed

Looks like it is in a tough spot.

Go on You tube and look for "What's in a Taco Flow Check" by Silent Steam team.

You might be able to take the bottom plug out and put something in there to break it loose. The screw on top should be turned counterclockwise to open the flow check (looking down from the top). Normal position is clockwise.

Those valves being Iron body tend to collect rust and muck

rob51

Thanks to all for responding. I’m trying to figure out if I would need to cut it out or if I can screw it off the threads after I’ve drained it down. Would you use a sawzall? Special blade?

Joe Mattiello

it’s a weighted check so you can disassemble it using large hex nut and inspect the internals. They’re pretty easy to repair too with a replacement check assembly kit.

Are you sure the pump is moving water? Take an amp meter reading, and you should be nameplate amps. If you’re not, and less than, you’re not moving water. Try re-purging that line when the other zones are isolated.
just going over some of the obvious issues.

If you’re still having no flow contact Taco tech support at 401-942-8000 and ask for tech support.

rob51

hi Joe. Thank you for the advice. I will try what you said. When I tried to purge the line, very little water came out of the purge spigot and then it stopped completely. I’ve purged the other zones many times before and have not encountered that. Seems bizarre to me. Something is preventing water from coming out of the purge spigot (closed valve or block somewhere or a ton of air). I will call tomorrow if still having issues. Thanks for the help.

yellowdog

Frozen pipe?

rob51

while I had considered a frozen pipe, the temp is currently in the 50s where I live. It would have either:

a:) thawed and the pipe opened up

b:) thawed and exposed a burst pipe which would then cause a leak.

Thank you for your input though. I can use all the help I can get. Best wishes for the New Year.

hot_rod

That would be fairly odd to have a valve like that rust shut. I'd keep looking for other causes. When you purge do you have good pressure and flow?

EdTheHeaterMan

What am I missing here. Someone may have had a reason for this piping design OR there is something hidden in this photo that I'm missing. …but there is no good reason for Two 1" flo-valves to feed one 3/4" supply feed.

rob51

hi Ed,

Maybe it’s hard to see from the previous picture, but it looks to be connected to only one flocheck. Perhaps this picture is better.

rob51

when I purge that zone, a small amount of water comes out and then it stops. Also, the nut on top of the flocheck was very hard to move. Now, no matter how many times I turn it clockwise, it wont come flush with the packing nut.

rob51

problem solved. The check valve was stuck, I think. It rattled a little and then opened. Thanks everyone for the help.